Chicago Bears 2015 Draft: Top Linebacker Options

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Markus Golden (6-foot-2, 255 pounds), Missouri

Missouri is turning out to have some very good edge rushers. Maybe that is why they played in the SEC championship two years in a row. Markus Golden is another one of them.

Golden has good body control to change directions well. He is able to read and adjust on the move. He plays relentlessly, and hits the ball carrier with bad intentions.

Golden is able to counter blocks and go to the inside. He has very good hand skills to keep blockers from getting an advantage on him. He is not an elite pass rusher, but is a good one. He shows good power with his punch. He also shows good speed to go with that power.

Golden’s powerful, compact frame is something scouts don’t like. They like the long, athletic type. Looking at his film, however, he is ready to be an every down player in the NFL. While Shane Ray is more gifted and gets all the attention, Golden has put it all together better.

I think his speed will make a difference for him at the Combine. If he is able to show good speed, he will grab some attention. If the speed is good, teams will feel better about him at outside linebacker.

Next: Denzel Perryman